How to Start a Natural Medicine Cabinet

When deciding to switch to a natural lifestyle and when choosing all-natural medicinal products, you can save money by buying affordable, common natural products that work best and have stood the test of time. Here's how to buy the minimum number of medicines to treat the maximum number of ailments.

TEA TREE OIL - Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is a very powerful antibacterial and fungicide. It can be used to treat ringworm, yeast infections, acne, cuts, scrapes, toenail fungus, dermatitis, ear infections, warts, and other minor infections. It makes an excellent topical antiseptic. Tea tree oil should never be used internally, only externally.

ECHINACEA - Echinacea is popular because it continues to withstand the test of time. Echinacea works to strengthen the immune system. You can take it at the first sign of illness or you can take it on a regular basis to help keep you from getting sick. Echinacea is a powerful herb and is so useful because it does not just attack one type of disease the way most drugs do. It makes your body stronger so that it can fight off anything it needs to.

MULLEIN - Mullein can be taken in many forms, but I personally prefer to use it as a tincture. Mullein is the very best herb to use for any indication of the lungs. Smokers can benefit from using mullein on a regular basis. Mullein can also help with asthma and bronchitis. I always take it at the first sign of illness to prevent it from moving down into my chest. Mullein is also a mild antibiotic, so it can sometimes help with some bacterial infections.

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT - This very powerful natural medicine can be used to combat any cold or other bacterial infection. It may also help to fight some viruses. This is one of the most potent medicines in our home medicine cabinet.

WHITE FLOWER ANALGESIC BALM - This OTC medicine is all-natural and can be found in natural food stores as well as many regular grocery and drug stores. It can be used to soothe and relax sprains, strains, aches, and stiff, sore muscles. Just rub it on. Rubbing it on the chest also works to break up congestion and clean a runny nose. It can be used in place of Vicks Vapor Rub or Icy Hot.

WITCH HAZEL EXTRACT - Witch hazel can be purchased in any drug store and in most grocery stores. Witch hazel is an excellent natural antiseptic that can be used on cats and dogs as well as adults and children. It is also used topically for hemorrhoids and is an excellent facial toner.

HOMEOPATHICS - If you'd like an additional care regimen, try a homeopathic kit. Many basic kits contain a variety of treatments that are useful for many types of illness. Homeopathic medicines are all-natural, safe, effective, and cannot be overdosed on.